The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Hobbit Ceili Dances (The Barrow-Downs Springle Ring)

mark12_30 · 06-11-2003, 07:18 PM

Nuru, that WAS thorough! Thanks! I'll try it at home.

And Horse-Maiden of the Shire, I liked that tune. Fun! Thanks.

A leap23 is really very similar to a scottish Pas De Basque; I can easily imagine hobbits doing either one (and having a clear preference as to their favorite, no doubt!)So as a follow-on to Nuru's Leap23 (pronounced "leap-two-three"), I'll try my typing at a Pas De Basque...

This would be a basic "setting" step, which means it's used when one is dancing in place. (Generally speaking, there are "setting" steps done in place, "traveling" steps, and sometimes "Swinging" steps, like a contra swing, two partners spinning together.)

But first, for eager hobbits, I'll outline a few generalities that will make learning The Barrow Downs Springle Ring a little easier.

OK: General hints for Springle Ring dancing: Try to be light on the toes... a good rule for ceili dancing in general.

Everything is easier if you stretch nice and tall while you are dancing. It helps you balance, helps keep your feet underneath you when you need them to be there, helps you to be light on your feet, and helps to maintain an overall grace and poise. Once you master the dancing, THEN you can get rowdy and wild.

The springiness of your stride is more important than the height of the steps, and will result in a more graceful, enjoyable dance. If you stretch very tall and are springy and light on your feet, it can almost feel like flying.

Nuru mentioned turnout. As I understand it, Irish dancing is done with the feet turned out when your weight is on them, but the leg (and knee) motions are all straight forward and back. (Nuru, is that right?)

Scottish is properly done with a 45 degree turnout for ceili dancing. (Ballet students, rejoice!) If you're not used to it, turn out to whatever degree is comfortable, and then forget it for now. **Don't ever force turnout**; no injuries, please!

Next, I'll post a description of pas De Basque.

[ June 11, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[ June 11, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

06-11-2003, 07:18 PM	#4
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	Nuru, that WAS thorough! Thanks! I'll try it at home. And Horse-Maiden of the Shire, I liked that tune. Fun! Thanks. A leap23 is really very similar to a scottish Pas De Basque; I can easily imagine hobbits doing either one (and having a clear preference as to their favorite, no doubt!)So as a follow-on to Nuru's Leap23 (pronounced "leap-two-three"), I'll try my typing at a Pas De Basque... This would be a basic "setting" step, which means it's used when one is dancing in place. (Generally speaking, there are "setting" steps done in place, "traveling" steps, and sometimes "Swinging" steps, like a contra swing, two partners spinning together.) But first, for eager hobbits, I'll outline a few generalities that will make learning The Barrow Downs Springle Ring a little easier. OK: General hints for Springle Ring dancing: Try to be light on the toes... a good rule for ceili dancing in general. Everything is easier if you stretch nice and tall while you are dancing. It helps you balance, helps keep your feet underneath you when you need them to be there, helps you to be light on your feet, and helps to maintain an overall grace and poise. Once you master the dancing, THEN you can get rowdy and wild. The springiness of your stride is more important than the height of the steps, and will result in a more graceful, enjoyable dance. If you stretch very tall and are springy and light on your feet, it can almost feel like flying. Nuru mentioned turnout. As I understand it, Irish dancing is done with the feet turned out when your weight is on them, but the leg (and knee) motions are all straight forward and back. (Nuru, is that right?) Scottish is properly done with a 45 degree turnout for ceili dancing. (Ballet students, rejoice!) If you're not used to it, turn out to whatever degree is comfortable, and then forget it for now. Don't ever force turnout; no injuries, please! Next, I'll post a description of pas De Basque. [ June 11, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ] [ June 11, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ] __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.